Systems and methods for electronic gaming with trigger conditions

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/980,795, filed Feb. 24, 2020, andentitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC GAMING WITH TRIGGERCONDITIONS,” and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/725,289, filed Feb. 24, 2020, entitled “DISPLAY SCREEN OR PORTIONTHEREOF WITH A TRANSITIONAL GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE,” the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and moreparticularly, to systems and methods for providing trigger conditionsduring base game play.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjackgames, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types ofgames that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Playon EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance byinputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing amonetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of aninstance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In some cases, aplayer may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondarygame, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winningcombination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, orafter the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game,or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, theplayer is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens orother forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awardedduring play, the game credits are typically added to a credit metertotal on the EGM and can be provided to the player upon completion of agaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines)through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for readyidentification by the player. Matching combinations and theircorresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which isavailable to the player for reference. Often, the player may varyhis/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amountbet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alterthe frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number ofsecondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course ofmany plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to asreturn to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure thefairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play,the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selectedwhich correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include anelement of skill on the part of the player and are therefore notentirely random.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronicgaming system includes at least one display device, a random numbergenerator (RNG), a player input interface configured to receive playerinput from a player, and a game controller configured to executeinstructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readablemedium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause thegame controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, thatan enhancement trigger condition is satisfied, the enhancement triggercondition occurring when at least one of a first frame and a secondframe is displayed on a position of a reel of a plurality of reels,wherein the at least one of the first frame and the second frame isdisplayed based at least in part on an RNG call made during play of thebase game and convert, as part of a final spin of the plurality of reelsin the base game, a symbol displayed on each position having one of thefirst frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol.The instructions also cause the game controller to determine, uponcompletion of the base game, that a bonus game trigger condition issatisfied, the bonus game trigger condition occurring when at least onesecond frame is displayed on a position of a reel of the plurality ofreels and activate, upon determining that the bonus game triggercondition is satisfied, a bonus game. The instructions further cause thegame controller to convert, upon activation of the bonus game, aplurality of positions on each reel with at least one position havingthe second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel and generate abonus game outcome based at least in part on an RNG call made duringplay of the bonus game, wherein the player is presented an awardassociated with a symbol displayed within the second frame on each bonusreel upon completion of the bonus game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming related servers.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example EGM that includes exemplaryinternal electronic components, and connections to exemplary gamingsystems in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B depicts an example casino gaming environment in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a gameprocessing architecture algorithm that implements a game processingpipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 4-7 are example display areas displayed during a base game inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are example display areas displayed during a bonus game inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are example display areas displayed during a featuregame in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods ofproviding trigger conditions during base game play. More specifically,an electronic gaming system provides an electronic game that includes abase game, a bonus game, and a feature game, wherein the bonus gameand/or the feature game may be triggered during play of the base game.During play of the base game, “frames” may be awarded to a player onpositions included on reels being displayed during the base game. Theframes are shown around a symbol displayed on the reel, as the outlineof a reel symbol position. Upon being awarded a frame at a position, theframe remains displayed at that position for the duration of the basegame. In other words, in the example embodiment, the base game mayinclude up to 10 spins such that a frame displayed on, for example spinnumber 3, would continue to be displayed in that position through spin10. During the final spin of the base game, positions that includedisplayed frames may become populated with wild symbols (e.g., symbolsthat may be evaluated as any symbol, or multiple symbols, during gameplay). The wild symbols may appear with the word “WILD,” or in someinstances may be any other symbol indicating a wild symbol. The wildsymbols may be used to increase the chance of a player receiving anaward. Thus, at the end of the base game, the symbols including any wildsymbols may be evaluated against a pay table to determine if and whataward may be awarded to the player.

In the example embodiment, multiple styles of frames may be awarded to aplayer during play of the base game. If a frame of a certain color(e.g., a gold frame) is displayed during play of the base game, a bonusgame is triggered upon completion of the base game (e.g., after thetenth spin of the base game). During the bonus game, the reel with theposition having the gold frame displayed thereon is spun, and a valueassociated with a symbol inside of the gold frame upon completion of thespin of the reel during the bonus game is awarded to the player. In someembodiments, more than one frame may be displayed during play of thebonus game. In some embodiments, certain frames may only be eligible toappear on certain reels, for example based on an initial wager amountplaced by a player.

Accordingly, the systems and methods provided herein improve displaydevice functionality (e.g., on an EGM), by providing a plurality ofvisual indicators to help players understand the game mechanicsdescribed herein. The systems and methods provided herein also improvedisplay and machine efficiency by eliminating the need for complexinformation pages describing game mechanics to players. Because of atleast the easily understood animations, symbols, frames, and indicatorsdisplayed in the game, the game described herein can be played andunderstood on a device substantially smaller than some of the EGMsdescribed herein (e.g., a mobile device such as a cell phone), thusremoving the need for complex information screens including lots oftext. The systems and methods described herein also improve playerexperiences at a gaming machine/system because the player is encouragedto stay for the full number of spins until the end of the base game sothat the bonus game will be initiated. A prize is guaranteed during thebonus game, further increasing player excitement as the bonus gameapproaches.

The technical effects and advantages achieved by this system include atleast one of: (a) displaying large quantities of complex information ina relatively small display area; (b) communicating complex informationwith easy-to-understand animations on a display; (c) engaging a playerto finish a base game by providing indicators of bonuses that willtrigger at the end of the base game; (d) increasing player excitement byguaranteeing an award during play of a bonus game and feature game; (e)displaying the number of spins played during the base game in anincreasing transitional sequence; (f) clearly indicating when a playerhas entered a bonus game or feature game; (g) associating jackpots withreels by color to clearly indicate which jackpots and/or reels areunlocked at any given time; (h) clearly indicating when a reel and/orjackpot has been unlocked during play of the base game, feature game,and/or bonus game; (i) efficiently communicating different game rules ofa base game, bonus game, and feature game to a player on a displaydevice during gameplay; and (j) providing versatility as to whichdevices (e.g., EGMs, mobile devices, etc.) the games described hereinmay be played on because of the efficient display area designs describedherein.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system 100 in agaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g.,slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs,slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices 104A-104X mayalternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but notlimited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. Gamingdevices 104A-104X utilize specialized software and/or hardware to formnon-generic, particular machines or apparatuses that comply withregulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games ofchance that provide monetary awards.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example,gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicateover one or more communication networks, such as over the Internetthrough a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over anonline data network including commercial online service providers,Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networksand enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). Thecommunication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X tocommunicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using avariety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency(RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV,satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gamingdevice such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of theother gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMsconnected to networks implemented with one or more of the differentserver computers 102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main doorwhich provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for aticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising anumber (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbolsdisplayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped toshow a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may beused to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD,plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, acathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled videomonitor.

In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a creditticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems areused to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printedon tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins byloading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using aticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104Acan have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatorycompliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, therecan be additional meters that record the total amount of money wageredon the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount ofmoney withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player'ssmartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 forreading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player trackinginformation is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a gamecontroller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the playertracking system server 110 to send and receive player trackinginformation.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in thegaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gamingdevice 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game playfunctions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be usedas a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features orattraction activities while a game is not in play, or any otherinformation or media desired by the game designer or operator. In someembodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used todisplay progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play ofgaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel torefill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets insertedinto the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscapedisplay 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, oralternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is aflat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary gameplay while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play,to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator. In some embodiments, example gaming device 104C may alsoinclude speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound,background music, etc.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systemsin accordance with the present disclosure. All or parts of the examplegaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of theexample gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2A,gaming device 200 includes a topper display 216 or another form of a topbox (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) that sits abovecabinet 218. Cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a numberof other components which may be used to add features to a game beingplayed on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms forstoring or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 whichreads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing orindicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232.Player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for enteringinformation, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information(e.g., an illuminated or video display), and a card reader 230 forreceiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or adevice such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. FIG. 2A alsodepicts utilizing a ticket printer 222 to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. Gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, player-input buttons 236 for player input, cabinetsecurity sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218,a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, eachcoupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled bya game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204.Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specializedprocessor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combinationthereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit(CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memorymediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporarystorage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specializedprocessor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA),digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator.In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) thatcombines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/orone or more specialized processors. Although FIG. 2A illustrates thatgame controller 202 includes a single processor 204, game controller 202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multipleprocessors 204 (e.g., two or more processors).

FIG. 2A illustrates that processor 204 is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory 208 is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatilememory and other types of non-transitory data storage components.Volatile memory is memory that does not retain data values upon loss ofpower. Nonvolatile memory is memory that does retain data upon a loss ofpower. Examples of memory 208 include random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flashdrives, memory cards accessed via a memory card reader, floppy disksaccessed via an associated floppy disk drive, optical discs accessed viaan optical disc drive, magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tapedrive, and/or other memory components, or a combination of any two ormore of these memory components. In addition, examples of RAM includestatic random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. Examplesof ROM include a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other like memory device.Even though FIG. 2A illustrates that game controller 202 includes asingle memory 208, game controller 202 could include multiple memories208 for storing program instructions and/or data.

Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide programinstructions and/or data for carrying out various embodiments (e.g.,game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component ofmemory 208. In one or more embodiments, game program 206 is embodied inthe form of source code that includes human-readable statements writtenin a programming language or machine code that contains numericalinstructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as aprocessor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples ofexecutable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can betranslated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into arandom access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) sourcecode that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that iscapable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 andexecuted by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpretedby another executable program to generate instructions in a randomaccess portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.

Alternatively, game programs 206 can be setup to generate one or moregame instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200exchange with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a centraldetermination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2A but shownin FIG. 1). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance”refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device 200 presents(e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance iscommunicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayedon gaming device 200. For example, gaming device 200 may execute gameprogram 206 as video streaming software that allows the game to bedisplayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device200, it may be loaded from memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory(ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 tomemory 208. Note that embodiments of the present disclosure represent animprovement in the art of EGM software and provide new technology inthat they improve display device (e.g., display 128) efficiency byvisually communicating complex information to a player with animationsthat are easy to understand. These embodiments are thus not merely newgame rules or simply a new display pattern.

Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated toensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable toaward monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of aredeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatoryrequirements in a gaming environment, hardware and softwarearchitectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differsignificantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting generalpurpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple orstraightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gamingdevices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements,and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, gamemechanics, hardware components, and software.

One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness.Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfya minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200should achieve this level of randomness. To comply, FIG. 2A illustratesthat gaming device 200 includes an RNG 212 that utilizes hardware and/orsoftware to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNGoperations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply withregulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a reel game, gameprogram 206 can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG 212 to generate RNGoutcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcomefor a reel. In another example, gaming device 200 can be a Class IIgaming device where RNG 212 generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingocards. In one or more embodiments, RNG 212 could be one of a set of RNGsoperating on gaming device 200. More generally, an output of the RNG 212can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by the gamecontroller 202. Game developers could vary the degree of true randomnessfor each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGs depending ongame requirements. The output of the RNG 212 can include a random numberor pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to as a “randomnumber”).

Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomnessrequirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandatethat gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of atleast 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also calledweighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfiesregulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookuptable can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for specialmodes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extrareels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic gameelements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; orcard selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one ormore RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a targetlevel of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency orprobability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. Forexample, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have alower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a veryhigh payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout withmore frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup tablecan involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes aremapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can alsoinvolve engineering decisions about whether different game features arecombined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between differententries (for the respective game features), while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of gamevolatility.

FIG. 2A illustrates that gaming device 200 includes an RNG conversionengine 210 that translates the RNG outcome from RNG 212 to a gameoutcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a gamedeveloper can setup the RNG conversion engine 210 to utilize one or morelookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element, stopposition on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of a gamefeature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prize payoutamount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device 200 pays outthe prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine 210 could utilizeone lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to aplayer and a second lookup table as a pay table for determining theprize payout amount for each game outcome. The mapping between the RNGoutcome to the game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certainprize payout amounts.

FIG. 2A also depicts that gaming device 200 is connected over network214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to trackplay (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or otherquantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that anoperator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use theplayer tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information,activate free play, and/or request various information. Player trackingor loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewswith one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primarygame display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primarygame display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other devicewhich enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2A illustrate specific embodiments of a gamingdevice (e.g., gaming devices 104A-104X and 200), the disclosure is notlimited to those embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. For example, notall gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the presentdisclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, informationpanels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems.Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game displaythat includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display,while others are designed for bar counters or tabletops and havedisplays that face upwards. Additionally, or alternatively, gamingdevices 104A-104X and 200 can include credit transceivers thatwirelessly communicate (e.g., Bluetooth or other near-fieldcommunication technology) with one or more mobile devices to performcredit transactions. As an example, bill validator 234 could contain orbe coupled to the credit transceiver that output credits from and/orload credits onto the gaming device 104A by communicating with aplayer's smartphone (e.g., a digital wallet interface). Gaming devices104A-104X and 200 may also include other processors that are notseparately shown. Using FIG. 2A as an example, gaming device 200 couldinclude display controllers (not shown in FIG. 2A) configured to receivevideo input signals or instructions to display images on game displays240 and 242. Alternatively, such display controllers may be integratedinto the game controller 202. The use and discussion of FIGS. 1 and 2Aare examples to facilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG. 2B depicts an example casino gaming environment in accordance withthe present disclosure. In this example, the casino 251 includes banks252 of EGMs 104. In this example, each bank 252 of EGMs 104 includes acorresponding gaming signage system 254. According to thisimplementation, the casino 251 also includes mobile gaming devices 256,which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. Themobile gaming devices 256 may, for example, include tablet devices,cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In thisexample, the mobile gaming devices 256 are configured for communicationwith one or more other devices in the casino 251, including but notlimited to one or more of the server computers 102, via wireless accesspoints 258.

According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, insome alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as thecentral determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104,etc.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetarycredits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., viaa wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc.However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to acceptmonetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas somemobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particularimplementation.

In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involvingthe mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash intransactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wirelesscommunication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or todispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit ordebit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app),via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and toprovide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gamingdevice 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as anear-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casinopatron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cashout option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include areal button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphicaluser interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobilegaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via awireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from acasino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the patron262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form ofcash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial accountcorresponding to the casino patron, etc.

In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process maybe facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITOsystem server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in andticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or akiosk 260.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/ortransmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gamingdevices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the playertracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty informationvia wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, apatron's smartphone, etc.

According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may beconfigured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobilegaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may beconfigured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify theidentity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area,such as a casino gaming area.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming in accordance with the present disclosure. Aswith other figures presented in this disclosure, the numbers, types andarrangements of gaming devices shown in FIG. 2C are merely shown by wayof example. In this example, various gaming devices, including, but notlimited to, end user devices (EUDs) 264 a, 264 b and 264 c are capableof communication via one or more networks 417. The networks 417 may, forexample, include one or more cellular telephone networks, the Internet,etc. In this example, the EUDs 264 a and 264 b are mobile devices:according to this example the EUD 264 a is a tablet device and the EUD264 b is a smart phone. In this implementation, the EUD 264 c is alaptop computer that is located within a residence 266 at the timedepicted in FIG. 2C. Accordingly, in this example the hardware of EUDsis not specifically configured for online gaming, although each EUD isconfigured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUD may beconfigured with a web browser. Other implementations may include othertypes of EUD, some of which may be specifically configured for onlinegaming.

In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices thatare configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417.The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gamingdata center 276, including storage devices 282 a, servers 284 a and oneor more workstations 570 a. The servers 284 a may, for example, beconfigured to provide access to a library of games for online game play.In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games mayinitially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282 a. Thecode may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284 a after selection by aplayer via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD viathe networks 417. The server 284 a onto which code for the selected gamehas been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by aplayer and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code forexecuting at least some of the games may initially be stored on one ormore of the servers 284 a. Although only one gaming data center 276 isshown in FIG. 2C, some implementations may include multiple gaming datacenters 276.

In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is alsoconfigured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financialinstitution data center 270 includes servers 284 b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286 b. According to this example, thefinancial institution data center 270 is configured to maintainfinancial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loanaccounts, etc. In some implementations, one or more of the authorizedusers 274 a-274 c may maintain at least one financial account with thefinancial institution that is serviced via the financial institutiondata center 270.

According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won orlost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers284 a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may beexpressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any otherappropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284 a may beconfigured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financialcredits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's“cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out”instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of aplayer that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an accountthat is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. Theserver(s) 284 a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain anaudit record of such transactions.

In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not beexchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players maypurchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” formonetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financialinstitution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include theirown servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples thefinancial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In somealternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/orthe gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.

One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (orelsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for datamanagement and/or device communication. Authentication information,player tracking information, etc., including but not limited toinformation obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regardingauthorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to theauthorized users 274 a-274 c), may be stored on storage devices 282and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, suchas information and/or software relating to leaderboards, playerscurrently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, gamecompetitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/orservers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related softwaremay be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from thegaming data center 276) by authorized users.

In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such asrepresentatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtaingaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or moreother devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276)may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, forexample, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executingdata summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations,data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as“apps” and downloadable by authorized users.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a gameprocessing architecture 300 that implements a game processing pipelinefor the play of a game in accordance with various embodiments describedherein. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming processing pipeline starts withhaving a UI system 302 receive one or more player inputs for the gameinstance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system 302 generates andsends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backend system 314.Game processing backend system 314 then processes the RNG calls with RNGengine 316 to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNG outcomes arethen sent to the RNG conversion engine 320 to generate one or more gameoutcomes for the UI system 302 to display to a player. The gameprocessing architecture 300 can implement the game processing pipelineusing a gaming device, such as gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Alternatively, portions of the gamingprocessing architecture 300 can implement the game processing pipelineusing a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices, such ascentral determination gaming system server 106 shown in FIG. 1.

The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interactwith. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, oneor more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312,where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphicalUIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308,and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such asmechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanicalreels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video displayor a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present gameplay to a player. Using FIG. 3 as an example, the different UI elementsare shown as game play UI elements 306A-306N and bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N.

The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaceswith for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the gameplay UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or morevirtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In asubsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of thebase game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N fora player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one ormore embodiments, at least some of the game play UI element 306A-306Nare similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. In otherembodiments, the game play UI element 306A-306N can differ from thebonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that UI system 302 could include a multiplayerUI 312 purposed for game play that differs or is separate from thetypical base game. For example, multiplayer UI 312 could be set up toreceive player inputs and/or presents game play information relating toa tournament mode. When a gaming device transitions from a primary gamemode that presents the base game to a tournament mode, a single gamingdevice is linked and synchronized to other gaming devices to generate atournament outcome. For example, multiple RNG engines 316 correspondingto each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine atournament outcome. To enhance a player's gaming experience, tournamentmode can modify and synchronize sound, music, reel spin speed, and/orother operations of the gaming devices according to the tournament gameplay. After tournament game play ends, operators can switch back thegaming device from tournament mode to a primary game mode to present thebase game. Although FIG. 3 does not explicitly depict that multiplayerUI 312 includes UI elements, multiplayer UI 312 could also include oneor more multiplayer UI elements.

Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG callsto a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) togenerate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. GamingRNG 318 corresponds to RNG 212 shown in FIG. 2. As previously discussedwith reference to FIG. 2, gaming RNG 318 often performs specialized andnon-generic operations that comply with regulatory and/or gamerequirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, gamingRNG 318 could be a cryptographic random or pseudorandom number generator(PRNG) (e.g., Fortuna PRNG) that securely produces random numbers forone or more game features. To generate random numbers, gaming RNG 318could collect random data from various sources of entropy, such as froman operating system (OS). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N maynot be cryptographically secure and/or be computationally lessexpensive. Non-gaming RNGS 319A-319N can, thus, be used to generateoutcomes for non-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs319A-319N can generate random numbers for such as generating randommessages that appear on the gaming device.

The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to theUI system 302. With reference to FIG. 2, RNG conversion engine 320corresponds to RNG conversion engine 210 used for game play. Aspreviously described, RNG conversion engine 320 translates the RNGoutcome from the RNG 212 to a game outcome presented to a player. RNGconversion engine 320 utilizes one or more lookup tables 322A-322N toregulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often thegaming device pays out the derived prize payout amounts. In one example,the RNG conversion engine 320 could utilize one lookup table to map theRNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookuptable as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for eachgame outcome. In this example, the mapping between the RNG outcome andthe game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payoutamounts. Different lookup tables could be utilized depending on thedifferent game modes, for example, a base game versus a bonus game.

After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes aresymbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel.In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols,for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for abonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. Inresponse to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequentlyprovide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instancethat progresses through the game processing pipeline.

FIG. 4 is an example display area 400 displayed during a base gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device (e.g., display 128).Display area 400 includes a plurality of reels 402-410, a plurality ofreel unlock indicators 412-420, a plurality of jackpot indicators422-430, and a spin indicator 432.

In the example embodiment, reels 402-410 are configured to spin duringplay of the base game. Reel unlock indicators 412-420 are configured toindicate reels 402-410 upon which frames may appear as described herein.Reel unlock indicators 412-420 may also correspond to jackpot indicators422-430, such that when a certain reel unlock indicator 412-420 isactivated, so is a jackpot indicator 422-430. When a jackpot indicator422-430 is unlocked (e.g., activated, or lit up), a jackpot associatedwith the unlocked jackpot indicator 422-430 is now eligible to be won bya player during play of the game. As examples, when jackpot indicator422 is unlocked, a player is eligible to win a MINI jackpot. Whenjackpot indicator 424 is unlocked, a player is eligible to win a MINORjackpot and the MINI jackpot, and so forth continuing to jackpotindicator 430 and a GRAND jackpot.

In some examples, when a reel unlock indicator 412-420 is activated, anassociated jackpot indicator 422-430 is also activated indicating to aplayer that the associated activated jackpot may now be awarded on theactivated reel, for example, if a jackpot award symbol corresponding tothe activated jackpot were to be displayed on the activated reel duringplay of the base game, feature game, or bonus game. Further, reel unlockindicators 412-420 and their corresponding jackpot indicators 422-430may match in color. For example, reel unlock indicator 412 and jackpotindicator 422 may have a blue background, reel unlock indicator 414 andjackpot indicator 424 may have a green background, and so forth. In someembodiments, the colors associated with reel unlock indicators 412-420and jackpot indicators 422-430 are only displayed when a particular reeland/or jackpot is unlocked (e.g., causing at least one of a reel unlockindicator 412-420 and/or a jackpot indicator 422-430 to light up anddisplay the color associated therewith). Accordingly, a player will beable to easily determine which reels and/or jackpots are unlocked at anyparticular time during play of the base game. Further, because thevisual indicators (e.g., reel unlock indicators 412-420 and jackpotindicators 422-430) displayed in display area 400 in the exampleembodiment match in color, and are displayed as lit up/brighter whenthey are unlocked, a player can easily discern which reels are eligibleto have a frame appear thereon and which jackpots are eligible to bewon, regardless of the dimensions/size of a display the game isdisplayed on. For example, the game displayed in display area 400 couldeasily be played on an EGM (e.g., EGMS 104A-104X) or on a device with amuch smaller display such as a display of a cell phone (e.g., EUD 264b). The color coordination and different brightness of reel unlockindicators 412-420 and jackpot indicators 422-430 allow the game to beplayed on devices with smaller displays as described above while stilleffectively communicating the same information to the player as would becommunicated when the game is played on a device with a larger display.

In the example embodiment, reel unlock indicators 412-420 unlock (e.g.,become activated) progressively as a wager amount from a playerincreases. For example, reel unlock indicator 412 may light up uponreceipt of any wager amount eligible for play of the wagering game, andreel 402 would be eligible to have a frame appear thereon during play ofthe base game. An animation may also appear when a reel unlock indicator412-420 is activated such as a flame shooting down onto a reel 402-410underneath a corresponding reel unlock indicator 412-420. A player maybe able to determine a reel has become active to receive a frame byother means as well, such as a sound being played (e.g., from speakers142). Furthering the example described above, if a wager of 50,000credits is received, reel 404 may become eligible to have a framedisplayed in a position thereon, upon which reel unlock indicator 414and jackpot indicator 424 would light up. In this example, a 120,000credit wager may unlock reel 406 and activate reel unlock indicator 416and jackpot indicator 426. In some embodiments, any number of creditsmay unlock a reel unlock indicator 412-420 and/or jackpot indicator422-430. In some embodiments, reel unlock indicators 412-420 may not beassociated with jackpot indicators 422-430. In addition to the benefitsdescribed above regarding the color coordination and brightness of reelunlock indicators 412-420 and jackpot indicators 422-430, the display ofvarious animations to communicate information to the player (e.g., theflame animation described above) further enhances play of the gamedescribed herein on devices with relatively smaller display areas suchas cell phones or tablets, as examples (e.g., EUD 264 a, 264 b, 264 c).

During play of the base game, spin indicator 432 is configured toindicate how many spins have been completed during play of the basegame, and/or if a feature game or bonus game is activated. In theexample shown in FIG. 4, no spins have been completed. Accordingly, spinindicator 432 does not display a number of spins. After a spin has beencompleted, a portion of spin indicator 432 may light up to furtherindicate to a player how many spins have been completed. In the exampleembodiment, play of the base game includes ten spins of reels 402-410.In some embodiments, any of the games described herein, such as the basegame and a feature game (see FIGS. 10 and 11), may include any number ofreel spins (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 15, 20, etc.). Spin indicator 432 provides aunique enhancement of a way to communicate the number of spins alreadyplayed and the number of spins remaining to a player as an increasingtransitional sequence, increasing player excitement until the flameanimations reach the top of spin indicator 432 and enhancements (e.g.,wild symbols) are provided, as well as a potential bonus game if atrigger condition is met as described herein.

FIG. 5 is an example display area 400 displayed during a base gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device after three spins ofreels 402-410 have been completed during play of the base game.Accordingly, spin indicator 432 displays “Spin 3” and three portions ofspin indicator 432 have been lit up to further indicate to a player thatthree spins have been completed.

Further, a base game frame 436 is displayed on a fourth (e.g., bottom)location of reel 406. Upon a first symbol 434 (e.g., a base game triggersymbol) appearing in the base game, a base game frame 436 is displayedon the positions where first symbol 434 appeared. Frame 436 will remainin that location for the remainder of the base game, and potentiallyother games resulting from the base game (e.g., a bonus game or afeature game). On the final spin of the base game, in this example thetenth spin, reel locations with a frame thereon may become wild (e.g.,displaying wild symbols that may be evaluated as any symbol, or multiplesymbols as described above). Thus, upon a frame being displayed duringplay of the base game, a player is encouraged to keep playing until thefinal spin of the base game when the location with the frame thereonwill become wild. Accordingly, excitement of players will increase as afinal spin of the base game approaches and any location with base gameframe 436 thereon will become wild, thus increasing a potential award tobe presented to the player because a wild symbol may be evaluated as anysymbol as described herein.

FIG. 6 is an example display area 400 displayed during a base gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device after nine spins ofreels 402-410 have been completed during play of the base game.Accordingly, spin indicator 432 displays “Spin 9” and nine portions ofspin indicator 432 have been lit up to further indicate to a player thatnine spins have been completed.

Further, a bonus game frame 440 is displayed on a third location (e.g.,third location from the top) of reel 402. Upon bonus game symbol 438(e.g., a bonus game trigger symbol) being displayed during play of thebase game, bonus game frame 440 is displayed on the location where bonusgame symbol 438 appears. Frame 440 will remain in that location for atleast the remainder of the base game. In the example embodiment, firstsymbol 434 and bonus game symbol 438 are similar (e.g., dragon eyes),but of different colors (e.g., silver and gold). In some embodiments,first symbol 434 and bonus game symbol 438 may be different images, ordifferent in any number of ways. In the example embodiment, base gameframe 436 and bonus game frame 440 are similar, but of different colors(e.g., silver and gold). In some embodiments, base game frame 436 andbonus game frame 440 may be different images, or different in any numberof ways. In the example embodiment, upon bonus game frame 440 beingdisplayed on reel 402, reel unlock indicator 412 may transition in color(e.g. from silver to gold) to indicate to the player that, during thebonus game, reel 402 will be converted into a bonus game reel. Displayof frames 436, 440 provides another example of how the animationsdescribed herein effectively communicate information to a player. As anexample, when a frame is initially displayed, it may at first appearlarger than is shown in FIG. 6 to attract player attention to the frame436, 440. Then, after a predetermined amount of time and before a nextspin, frame 436, 440 may shrink down to the size shown in FIG. 6 so thatit is displayed in the proper position.

In the example embodiment, display of frame 440 indicates that a bonusgame will be triggered upon completion (e.g., a final spin) of the basegame. Although base game frame 436 and bonus game frame 440 aredescribed as frames herein, it should be noted that different indicatorsmay be displayed on locations of reels other than frames to indicatetrigger conditions that have been or will be satisfied (e.g., locationscould appear darker or lighter, could contain indicator symbols such asflames, etc.). Accordingly, display of base game frame 436 and/or bonusgame frame 440 provides further excitement for a player to complete thebase game so that symbols within frames 436, 440 turn wild for a finalspin of the base game, and if a bonus game frame 440 is displayed, abonus game is triggered after the final spin of the base game.

FIG. 7 is an example display area 400 displayed during a base gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device after ten spins ofreels 402-410 have been completed during play of the base game. As wasdescribed above, positions of reels 402-410 having frames displayedthereon have been converted to display wild symbols 442 during the tenthspin of the base game. Accordingly, because of display of wild symbols442, the player has a greater chance of winning an award. To furtherincrease player excitement, more flames appear on the outside of spinindicator 432 and reel 410 to communicate a higher chance of a playerwinning a prize because of the plurality of wild symbols 442 now beingdisplayed on reels 402, 404, 408, and 410.

FIG. 8 is an example display area 400 displayed during a bonus gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device after the base gamehas been completed. Accordingly, spin indicator 432 displays “BONUS” toindicate the bonus game will be played during the next spin. Becausebonus game frame 440 being displayed triggered the bonus game, only reel402, with bonus game frame 440 displayed thereon, is active during thebonus game. In some embodiments reels may include more than one bonusgame frame 440. In some embodiments, more than one reel may be activeduring the bonus game and have at least one bonus game frame 440thereon.

FIG. 9 is an example display area 400 displayed during a bonus gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device after a spin duringthe bonus game has been completed and reel 402 is converted into a bonusgame reel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, reel 402 is converted intoa bonus game reel displaying three rows instead of four and bonus gameframe 440 is moved to the middle of reel 402. Centering bonus game frame440 in the middle of reel 402 makes it easier for a player to tracktheir potential prize during a bonus game, and further focuses theplayer on the bonus game. In some embodiments bonus game frame 440 maychange in size (e.g., taking up more than one location, possibly on morethan one reel 402-410) to further attract player attention. In someembodiments, bonus game frame 440 may change in appearance during playof the bonus game. In some embodiments, bonus game frame 440 may expandand glow to attract player attention to bonus game frame 440. In theexample embodiments, all symbols in the bonus reel are associated with aprize. Accordingly, a player is guaranteed to win a prize upon enteringthe bonus game because a symbol associated with a prize will bedisplayed within bonus game frame 440. Guaranteeing of a prize in thebonus game further increases player excitement and enjoyment whileplaying the game.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a MINI symbol appears inside bonusgame frame 440. Thus, the player has won a MINI jackpot (e.g., as shownin jackpot indicator 422). Notably, the first and third locations ofreel 402 (e.g., the top and bottom positions) also contain prize values.In some embodiments, a player may be awarded with all prize valuesdisplayed on a reel 402-410 during play of the bonus game, and not justthe prize displayed within a bonus game frame.

FIG. 10 is an example display area 400 displayed during a feature gameplayed on an EGM on a display of a display device once the feature gamehas been activated. In the example embodiment, the feature game isactivated upon at least three feature game symbols appearing during playof the base game. In some embodiments, other triggers during play of thebase game may activate the feature game. Upon completion of the featuregame, game play is switched back to play of the base game based on whenthe feature game was activated. For example, if the feature game wastriggered on a third spin of the base game, the next spin of the basegame after returning from the feature game would be a fourth spin of thebase game.

Ten free games (e.g., ten free spins of the feature game) are awarded inthe feature game in the example embodiment. Bonus game frame 440 and/orbase game frame 436 may be displayed in the feature game similar to theway they are displayed as described above in the base game. As wasdescribed above with respect to the base game, in the example embodimentof the feature game, locations displaying a bonus game frame 440 or basegame frame 436 during the final spin of the feature game may displaywild symbols such that a player has a higher chance of receiving anaward on the tenth spin. Further, display of at least one bonus gameframe 440 may trigger a bonus game upon completion of the feature game.

FIG. 11 is an example display area 400 displayed during a bonus gametriggered from a feature game played on an EGM on a display of a displaydevice. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 11, at least one bonusgame frame 440 was displayed on each of reel 404 and reel 408 duringplay of the feature game. Accordingly reel 404 and reel 408, having atleast one bonus game frame 440 displayed thereon, are active during playof the bonus game. Further, in the example embodiment each symbollocation of each reel that is active during play of the bonus game hasbonus game frame 440 displayed thereon. Display of bonus game frame 440at each symbol location of each reel active during the bonus gameindicates to the player that each award displayed at symbol locations ofactive reels (e.g., within bonus game frame 440) during play of thebonus game triggered from the feature game will be awarded. In otherwords, in the example embodiment, a bonus game triggered by the featuregame awards a player with each award displayed on an active reel duringthe bonus game, as opposed to a single award displayed within bonus gameframe 440 on each reel as was described above with respect to the bonusgame triggered from the base game.

In some embodiments, when unlocking a reel unlock indicator 412-420, ajackpot indicator 422-430, or entering the bonus game or feature game asdescribed herein, an overlay (e.g., a reel unlock animation) may bedisplayed over at least a portion of reels 402-410 describing therespective gameplay aspect. For example when unlocking reel unlockindicator 414 and jackpot indicator 424, a flame may appear in reel 404including text such as “MINOR unlocked.” When unlocking reel unlockindicator 416 and jackpot indicator 426, a flame may appear in reel 406including text such as “MAXI unlocked,” and so forth when remaining reelunlock indicators 418, 420 and jackpot indicators 428 and 430 becomeunlocked.

Similarly, when entering the feature game, an overlay may appear over atleast portions of reels 402-410 displaying an explanation to the playerthat the feature game will begin shortly (e.g., “FREE GAMES AWARDED”).The overlay may also display an explanation of mechanics of the featuregame, such as an explanation that if a bonus game is triggered after thefeature game is complete, a player will be awarded with the valuesappearing in every location of reels that are used in the bonus game(e.g., all three locations of a reel). Similar overlays may appear whenentering the bonus game from the base game, as was described above.

In some embodiments, multiple bonus game frames 440 may be required tobe displayed on a reel 402-410 to trigger the bonus game describedherein. In some embodiments, bonus game frames 440 may need to bedisplayed in particular locations on a reel 402-410 in order to triggerthe bonus game described herein. In some embodiments, a bonus game frame440 being displayed on a position of a reel 402-410 may trigger anadditional game. In the additional game, the locations having bonus gameframe 440 displayed thereon may be enhanced locations during play of theadditional game (e.g., including a wild symbol, a multiplier, and/or avalue such as a jackpot value). In some embodiments, locations withbonus game frame 440 and/or base game frame 436 displayed thereon mayprovide bonuses during play of the base game (e.g., a wild symbol may bedisplayed therein).

In some embodiments, a single bonus game symbol 438 may affect multiplelocations on potentially multiple reels 402-410, thus triggeringmultiple reels 402-410 for play of the bonus game as described herein.In some embodiments, a certain number of symbols 434/438 and/or frames436/440 being displayed may trigger a jackpot (e.g., MINI, MINOR, etc.).In some embodiments, reels active during the bonus game and/or featuregame may be expanded reels (e.g., having more rows displayed than duringthe base game). In some embodiments, at least some of frames 436/440displayed during play of a base game may persist into future plays ofthe base game instead of resetting after, as examples, a bonus game ortenth spin of the base game. In some embodiments, wild symbols asdescribed herein may include expanding wild symbols, exploding wildsymbols, and/or random wild symbols.

In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronicgaming system includes at least one display device, a random numbergenerator (RNG), a player input interface configured to receive playerinput from a player, and a game controller configured to executeinstructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readablemedium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause thegame controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, thatan enhancement trigger condition is satisfied, the enhancement triggercondition occurring when at least one of a first frame and a secondframe is displayed on a position of a reel of a plurality of reels,wherein the at least one of the first frame and the second frame isdisplayed based at least in part on an RNG call made during play of thebase game and convert, as part of a final spin of the plurality of reelsin the base game, a symbol displayed on each position having one of thefirst frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol.The instructions also cause the game controller to determine, uponcompletion of the base game, that a bonus game trigger condition issatisfied, the bonus game trigger condition occurring when at least onesecond frame is displayed on a position of a reel of the plurality ofreels and activate, upon determining that the bonus game triggercondition is satisfied, a bonus game. The instructions further cause thegame controller to convert, upon activation of the bonus game, aplurality of positions on each reel with at least one position havingthe second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel and generate abonus game outcome based at least in part on an RNG call made duringplay of the bonus game, wherein the player is presented an awardassociated with a symbol displayed within the second frame on each bonusreel upon completion of the bonus game.

In some embodiments, the electronic gaming system may cause the gamecontroller to cause a reel unlock indicator to be displayed for at leastone reel of the plurality of reels, wherein the reel unlock indicatorindicates that the at least one reel is unlocked as eligible to have thefirst frame and second frame displayed thereon, further cause the gamecontroller to unlock a reel of the plurality of reels to be eligible tohave the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon based atleast in part on a wager amount placed by a player wherein a differentwager amount is required to unlock each different reel of the pluralityof reels to be eligible to have the first frame and the second framedisplayed thereon and wherein the different wager amounts required tounlock each different reel of the plurality of reels increasesequentially from a wager amount required to unlock a leftmost reel ofthe plurality of reels to a wager amount required to unlock a rightmostreel of the plurality of reels.

In some embodiments of the electronic gaming system, when a reel of theplurality of reels becomes unlocked as eligible to have the first frameand the second frame displayed thereon, the instructions further causethe game controller to cause display of a reel unlock animation on thereel that becomes unlocked. In some embodiments of the electronic gamingsystem, each reel unlock indicator includes a color associated therewithand the instructions further cause the game controller to cause display,when a reel of the plurality of reels is unlocked as eligible to havethe first frame and the second frame displayed thereon, of the colorassociated with the reel unlock indicator for the unlocked reel on thereel unlock indicator wherein display of the at least one of the firstframe and the second frame, the reel unlock indicator, the reel unlockanimation, and the color associated with the reel unlock indicatorcommunicates information to a player of the base game and the bonusgame, wherein the player is interacting with the at least one displaydevice and the at least one display device includes a limited displayarea.

In some embodiments of the electronic gaming system, the instructionsfurther cause the game controller to cause at least one jackpotindicator to be displayed, wherein the at least one jackpot indicatorindicates that a jackpot associated with the at least one jackpotindicator is unlocked as eligible to be awarded to a player wherein theinstructions further cause the game controller to unlock the jackpot aseligible to be awarded to the player based at least in part on a wageramount placed by the player. Yet further, in some embodiments, adifferent wager amount is required to unlock each different jackpot of aplurality of jackpots wherein each different wager amount required tounlock each different jackpot of the plurality of jackpots increasessequentially from a wager amount required to unlock a lowest valuejackpot to a wager amount required to unlock a highest value jackpot.

In some embodiments of the electronic gaming system, each jackpotindicator of a plurality of jackpot indicators includes a colorassociated therewith wherein the instructions further cause the gamecontroller to cause display, when a jackpot of the plurality of jackpotsis unlocked as eligible to be awarded to the player, of the colorassociated with the jackpot indicator for the unlocked jackpot on thejackpot indicator and wherein display of at least one of the first frameand the second frame, the jackpot indicator, the jackpot unlockanimation, and the color associated with the jackpot indicatorcommunicates information to a player of the base game and the bonus gamewherein the player is interacting with the at least one display deviceand the at least one display device includes a limited display area.

In some embodiments of the electronic gaming system, when a jackpotbecomes unlocked as eligible to be awarded to the player, theinstructions further cause the game controller to cause display of ajackpot unlock animation indicating the jackpot has become unlocked aseligible to be awarded to the player.

In some embodiments of the electronic gaming system the first frameincludes a first color and the second frame includes a second color. Insome embodiments, the instructions further cause the game controller tocause to be displayed the first frame at a position of a reel of theplurality of reels upon a first trigger symbol being displayed at theposition of the reel of the plurality of reels. In some embodiments, theinstructions further cause the game controller to cause to be displayedthe second frame at a position of a reel of the plurality of reels upona second trigger symbol being displayed at the position of the reel ofthe plurality of reels.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic gaming system comprising: at leastone display device; a random number generator (RNG); a player inputinterface configured to receive player input from a player; a gamecontroller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible,non-transitory, computer-readable medium, which, when executed by thegame controller, cause the game controller to at least: determine,during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition issatisfied, the enhancement trigger condition occurring when at least oneof a first frame and a second frame is displayed on a position of a reelof a plurality of reels, wherein the at least one of the first frame andthe second frame is displayed based at least in part on an RNG call madeduring play of the base game; convert, as part of a final spin of theplurality of reels in the base game, a symbol displayed on each positionhaving one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereoninto a wild symbol; determine, upon completion of the base game, that abonus game trigger condition is satisfied, the bonus game triggercondition occurring when at least one second frame is displayed on aposition of a reel of the plurality of reels; activate, upon determiningthat the bonus game trigger condition is satisfied, a bonus game;convert, upon activation of the bonus game, a plurality of positions oneach reel with at least one position having the second frame displayedthereon, into a bonus reel; and generate a bonus game outcome based atleast in part on an RNG call made during play of the bonus game, whereinthe player is presented an award associated with a symbol displayedwithin the second frame on each bonus reel upon completion of the bonusgame.
 2. The electronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein theinstructions further cause the game controller to cause a reel unlockindicator to be displayed for at least one reel of the plurality ofreels, wherein the reel unlock indicator indicates that the at least onereel is unlocked as eligible to have the first frame and second framedisplayed thereon.
 3. The electronic gaming system of claim 2, whereinthe instructions further cause the game controller to unlock a reel ofthe plurality of reels to be eligible to have the first frame and thesecond frame displayed thereon based at least in part on a wager amountplaced by a player.
 4. The electronic gaming system of claim 3, whereina different wager amount is required to unlock each different reel ofthe plurality of reels to be eligible to have the first frame and thesecond frame displayed thereon.
 5. The electronic gaming system of claim4, wherein the different wager amounts required to unlock each differentreel of the plurality of reels increase sequentially from a wager amountrequired to unlock a leftmost reel of the plurality of reels to a wageramount required to unlock a rightmost reel of the plurality of reels. 6.The electronic gaming system of claim 2, wherein when a reel of theplurality of reels becomes unlocked as eligible to have the first frameand the second frame displayed thereon, the instructions further causethe game controller to cause display of a reel unlock animation on thereel that becomes unlocked.
 7. The electronic gaming system of claim 2,wherein each reel unlock indicator includes a color associatedtherewith.
 8. The electronic gaming system of claim 7, wherein theinstructions further cause the game controller to cause display, when areel of the plurality of reels is unlocked as eligible to have the firstframe and the second frame displayed thereon, of the color associatedwith the reel unlock indicator for the unlocked reel on the reel unlockindicator.
 9. The electronic gaming system of claim 7, wherein displayof the at least one of the first frame and the second frame, the reelunlock indicator, the reel unlock animation, and the color associatedwith the reel unlock indicator communicates information to a player ofthe base game and the bonus game, wherein the player is interacting withthe at least one display device and the at least one display deviceincludes a limited display area.
 10. The electronic gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the game controller tocause at least one jackpot indicator to be displayed, wherein the atleast one jackpot indicator indicates that a jackpot associated with theat least one jackpot indicator is unlocked as eligible to be awarded toa player.
 11. The electronic gaming system of claim 10, wherein theinstructions further cause the game controller to unlock the jackpot aseligible to be awarded to the player based at least in part on a wageramount placed by the player.
 12. The electronic gaming system of claim11, wherein a different wager amount is required to unlock eachdifferent jackpot of a plurality of jackpots.
 13. The electronic gamingsystem of claim 12, wherein each different wager amount required tounlock each different jackpot of the plurality of jackpots increasessequentially from a wager amount required to unlock a lowest valuejackpot to a wager amount required to unlock a highest value jackpot.14. The electronic gaming system of claim 12, wherein each jackpotindicator of a plurality of jackpot indicators includes a colorassociated therewith.
 15. The electronic gaming system of claim 14,wherein the instructions further cause the game controller to causedisplay, when a jackpot of the plurality of jackpots is unlocked aseligible to be awarded to the player, of the color associated with thejackpot indicator for the unlocked jackpot on the jackpot indicator. 16.The electronic gaming system of claim 15, wherein when a jackpot becomesunlocked as eligible to be awarded to the player, the instructionsfurther cause the game controller to cause display of a jackpot unlockanimation indicating the jackpot has become unlocked as eligible to beawarded to the player.
 17. The electronic gaming system of claim 16,wherein display of at least one of the first frame and the second frame,the jackpot indicator, the jackpot unlock animation, and the colorassociated with the jackpot indicator communicates information to aplayer of the base game and the bonus game, wherein the player isinteracting with the at least one display device and the at least onedisplay device includes a limited display area.
 18. The electronicgaming system of claim 1, wherein the first frame comprises a firstcolor and the second frame comprises a second color.
 19. The electronicgaming system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause thegame controller to cause to be displayed the first frame at a positionof a reel of the plurality of reels upon a first trigger symbol beingdisplayed at the position of the reel of the plurality of reels.
 20. Theelectronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the instructions furthercause the game controller to cause to be displayed the second frame at aposition of a reel of the plurality of reels upon a second triggersymbol being displayed at the position of the reel of the plurality ofreels.